| First Train to Henrietta A sculpture created by J.D. Avis now sits on the east lawn of the Museum. It is made from two historic fresnos welded together. It is hard for modern Clay Countians to realize that the first roads, and the rail beds, were built with horse or mule drawn plows and fresnos (sometimes called slips or scrapers). These two were used to work on the first railroad to come into Clay County, the Ft. Worth and Denver, which reached Henrietta in 1882. They were owned and used by H.B. Hatton, who lived between Jolly and Wichita Falls and raised sheep, and by C.H McCleland, who lived northwest of Dean. Remember that paving bricks are still available for a donation of $35. They make a suitable memorial or honorarium to loved ones. It would be a great show of support of the Museum if enough bricks could be ordered and laid to fill the remaining space to the alley before Pioneer Reunion. Last week we wrote the story of Clare Hilburn and the Knights of Pythias Band and promised more. July 4th was the occasion for a big celebration in the early days of Clay County, as well as in the rest of the country. A county-wide picnic was usually held on the banks of Red River, but July 4th in 1882 was slated to be a bigger and better celebration because on that day the first Iron Horse in this part of the world was due to ride as far as Henrietta, which was to be the terminal. No longer would people have to plod all the way from Sherman in ox-cart, wagon, or on horseback. The Ft. Worth and Denver City had come to town! After chores were done, everyone in the entire county packed a picnic lunch and headed for the tracks. It didn't matter how long they might have to wait; it was just necessary to see that first train come in. Speeches, songs and all kinds of Fourth of July programs were presented but all eyes were on the track. They also were wondering why the band was late; surely it would be a big part of any July 4th celebration. By secret arrangement between Mr. Hilburn and the railroad officials, the band boarded the train about a mile outside town and were stationed on the observation platform. "Finally the train hove into view, the engine, the baggage coach, the passenger coach and at long last from somewhere came band music. The engineer pulled up so that the observation platform could be used as a grandstand and there, before all of them was the band. Clare Hilburn directing them, all of them playing for all they were worth, making the most of the old patriotic marches and songs known to them; dressed in their very new and resplendent uniforms which the KP's had had made for the occasion, (taking up a collection from the merchants to pay for them), they were in an especially happy frame of mind and the importance of a train coming into town, the band contributing so much to the occasion, all of it put together caused an air of excitement, hats thrown in the air, some young ladies crying, some laughing, general rejoicing." The performance of the band and the reaction of the people were so great that the railroad officials engaged the band to play at each railroad opening as they built west. Such occasions were not soon forgotten. Margaret Suddath, who wrote the article, also told about the reaction of the people of Henrietta when the news came over the wires about 6:00 a.m on November 11, 1918, that the Armistice had been signed, ending World War I. "The whole population fell into clothes and made as fast a bee line as possible to the Court House square where hysteria was there ahead of everyone, sky rockets going off and everybody grabbing and kissing everybody else, crying and laughing, acting the part of a people who were indeed freed from a dire circumstance and the joy that abounded there was beyond description." "The band managed to get there first and were going away on 'The Star Spangled Banner.' All during the day at intervals that November 11th, the band was there to play, along with prayers from pastors of different churches paying tribute to those boys who would not return and also to those who would soon be coming home. In spite of the bitter cold, the people stayed and listened to this band that had played for them all during the war to help keep up their spirits." We have enjoyed playing host to two school groups in the past weeks, Shari Wheeler's fourth graders from Midway and Chris McGregor's fourth graders from the Episcopal School in Wichita Falls. It is gratifying to see the look of wonder on the children's faces as they see the jail cells and all the gadgets of the time of their great grandparents. Donations have been received in memory of Lillian Lyles Kerr and Durl England by the Irene Russell Family; of James Coe Maddox and M/M D.E. Reese by Reg & Liz Kesler. A donation has been received in honor of Don & Nell Wilson by M/M J. Courtney Wilson. Come visit your Museum on Thur. or Fri. from 10 to 2 or Sat. from 1 to 4. Clay Co. Historical Society, Inc., Box 483, Henrietta or ccmuseum@wfquik.com. Or visit our web page, www.pctutor.org/ccmuseum.html. Submitted by Lucille Glasgow |